Rikon band saw 18" and chinese "copy"?

[Ber Gueda]

I have been looking for a band saw for some time. My biggest preference, though, is a Laguna 14BX. Nevertheless I found a reasonably good offer for a new 18" chinese machine that seems to be an absolute copy of a the Rikon 10-342 18" Deluxe. I guess that the Rikon is also made in China, and I would even dare to say that they are made in the same factory.  The chinese is about 500 $ cheaper than the Laguna, and the importer guarantees the availability of spare parts.

Just thinking about it... I don't need such a big machine for my resawing purposes, but it's really cheaper than the Laguna....

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

In about all machinery there are copies and probably come off the same line. I do see varied differences just looking at them and if they mean anything to you is a decision you have to make. Want to look at a replica, try the Record bandsaw. Dead copy different name and probably only in UK https://wood-shed.co.uk/product/record-sabre-450-18-bandsaw/. The Jet looks similar also. There are others that have that style look. I always liked the Laguana line of tools. You get that large now you have to look at HP of the motors, usually around 4HP and can be 220volt. 1-1/2 and 2HP motors usually 120volt. They are designed for resawing and are beefed up in the wheels and bearings. How often are you cutting a board 12" wide? That is the #1 question to ask yourself when looking for a bandsaw. What will you use it for? Depth and height of cut is important. Next is ease to change blades, ease of setting guides, ease of setting tension and finally dust collection. 

The one thing I like about the Rikon is the double miter slots. Makes for ability to make nice solid sleds like on a tablesaw bed. Anyway good luck in your choice. 

Edited January 1 by JTTHECLOCKMAN

[Joe W.]

4 hours ago, JTTHECLOCKMAN said:

How often are you cutting a board 12" wide? That is the #1 question to ask yourself when looking for a bandsaw. What will you use it for? Depth and height of cut is important. Next is ease to change blades, ease of setting guides, ease of setting tension and finally dust collection. 

Agree - I got the Jet 14" last year mainly for resawing and have not been disappointed.  Recently got into making dough bowls out of logs.  It has not problem cutting a 12" diameter log in half.  And for making rough cuts and resawing.  
But I am ready to buy a smaller bandsaw (9"-10")for smaller more intricate cutting (i.e.; bandsaw boxes/cutting the outline of a scroll saw pattern).  On the fence about ceramic/cool blocks vs. roller bearings.  While I could use a smaller blade, I don't like having to take the time to swap out and tune the blades.  

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

4 hours ago, Joe W. said:

Agree - I got the Jet 14" last year mainly for resawing and have not been disappointed.  Recently got into making dough bowls out of logs.  It has not problem cutting a 12" diameter log in half.  And for making rough cuts and resawing.  
But I am ready to buy a smaller bandsaw (9"-10")for smaller more intricate cutting (i.e.; bandsaw boxes/cutting the outline of a scroll saw pattern).  On the fence about ceramic/cool blocks vs. roller bearings.  While I could use a smaller blade, I don't like having to take the time to swap out and tune the blades.  

All these bandsaws are about the same. tweaks here and there. The Rikon 10" looks nice. 

[Tim Stanford]

I have a Rikon 10 326 and it's a great saw. My two cents is that if you have any issues; who do you want to call?

I had a tension issues and Rikon support is a 10/10.

[Ber Gueda]

2 hours ago, Tim Stanford said:

I have a Rikon 10 326 and it's a great saw. My two cents is that if you have any issues; who do you want to call?

I have heard Rikon are great saws.

I don't know if the chinese ones are exact copies, they might be very similar but there might be differences at some important places. There is a big difference in price (quality materials maybe...?)

The importer here provides help and service to the saws they sell, this shoudn't be a big issue.